VERAXA Biotech (VRXA) Adds Capital Markets Veteran as CFO While Advancing BiTAC Oncology Pipeline

Veraxa Biotech AG (VRXA) shares rose 4.6% after appointing Raju Willener as CFO, effective immediately. Willener has over 30 years of experience in finance and previously served as CFO at Exentis Group AG. The company is advancing its BiTAC technology platform for cancer therapies. Willener replaces Carl von Halem.

VERAXA Biotech AG (NASDAQ: VRXA) appointed Carl von Halem as interim CFO, effective immediately, succeeding Torsten Bürgermeister. The company said it is in the final stages of discussions with a successor and will update the market later. The release cites von Halem’s prior CFO role at Xlife Science and other life-sciences experience.

The Glacier Getaway Terminal in Whittier, Alaska, built by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) and Huna Totem Corporation, was destroyed in a fire. The $80 million facility, operational since late 2024, is a total loss according to the Alaska State Fire Marshal’s Office. NCLH's ships are still scheduled to visit the port later this year and in 2027.

Senators Markey, Merkley, and Sanders introduced legislation to block a $5B U.S. arms sale to Saudi Arabia, citing human rights concerns and regional instability. The sale includes bombs and guidance kits, with the State Department stating it supports U.S. foreign policy goals. Saudi Aramco has halted some oil supplies due to attacks, exacerbating the energy crisis. The State Department also announced a $24.3B sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia, primarily from Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney.

Netflix shares fell 4.8% to $71.725 after Wells Fargo downgraded the stock to Underweight and cut its price target to $57, citing concerns about engagement and content pipeline. The target is 20.5% below the current share price. GuruFocus estimates Netflix's value at $101.86, 29.58% above the current price.

Southwest Airlines' CFO confirmed that the airline now collects over $2 billion annually from bag and seat fees, with 60% of passengers paying these extras. Fees include $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second, with seat selection adding over $1 billion in annual profit. The airline's revenue per available seat mile (RASM) rose 11.2% in Q1 2026, and corporate bookings are up 30% year-over-year.